It was part of an annual event called Breaking the Barrier. Special 'double' surfboards are used that he could stand on along with an instructor.
It was BRILLIANT. His slot was at 9.15 - the instructor plus a helper with lots of experience of learning disabilities. The beach was full of kids with autism and LD's. DS1 loved it- I wasn't sure he would do it (in fact I was about 80% convinced he wouldn't) because he doesn't really know what surfing is (well he does now), and it can be a bit hit and miss getting him into the sea. He didn't even mind the white out. And the instructor was great just yanked him out and plonked him back on the board.
We brought him in after half an hour. He was freezing, but did not want to come in, kept pointing back out to sea.
It's probably still going on down there. Funny story. As we were leaving some late teenage girls arrived, all kitted out carrying surfboards. They saw all the flags and tents and said "oh wow oh wow there's a surfing competition , ow wow brilliant" and they started trying to look cool and hot. I was thinking oh my goodness you are going to be so disappointed when you get closer!
I'll add some photos tonight.